Meet a CSGer: Daniela

CSG’s new Senior Graphic Designer, Daniela Silva Riera calls her hometown the “Capital of Chaos.” No wonder she fits in so well around here. Read on learn about the volunteer causes that matter most to this self-proclaimed furious doodler and find out why bicycles figured prominently at her wedding.

From Chaos to Colorado

I was born and raised in my beloved “Capital of Chaos:” Caracas, Venezuela. After a brief stint finishing high school in Remouchamps, Belgium, where I was dropped like a claw machine toy into a senior class without knowing a word of French, I was unsure of how to proceed with #Adulting.

I applied to a bunch of schools in the United States and told myself that I’d go to whichever school gave me the best scholarship, no matter where it was, or for what major.

My indecision paid off. I ended up in New York City, where I truly fell in love with design and stayed for almost 10 years. Wanting to burst out of my NYC bubble, I packed my bags once more and headed west to Denver.

And voila! Here I am.

Yes to ALL!

As a true generalist, I have a hard time sticking to one hobby, style, genre, hair color…

“I’ll try anything once,” has worked out pretty well for me as a life philosophy and it has led me to discover passions I never thought I’d have. (Come on: A tropical kid who hates snow and skiing?!)

Currently, I’m into: skiing, lead climbing, yoga, figure skating, cuatro/ukelele/guitar, micheladas, and Dolly Parton’s America.

Is there something out there that you want to try? Artisanal butter churning? Roller derby? Interpretive dance? Call me! I’ll join you. Seriously.

Furious Doodler

The only consistent thing in my life is my love of letters. I’ve been casually “lettering” overheard quips, cliche business lingo, and all of the nonsense that goes on in my head in a series I call “Daily Doodle Diarrhea.” It’s like a tic; I can’t control it. Once, while waiting for my husband to finish the New York City Marathon, I set up shop in a nearby bar to make tons of hand-lettered signs to hand out to spectators.

How I Roll

Maybe it’s my intense hatred of driving, which I haven’t done since I was 16, but I’m a big advocate for alternative transportation. My bicycle is pretty high up there in my most precious belongings. I biked in all sorts of weather when it was my main mode of transportation in New York City.

Fun fact: My wedding was bicycle-themed and instead of rings, my husband and I got little bike tattoos.

After moving to Denver, I gave roller blading a shot as a commute method (Spoiler: It’s kind of tough!) and recently acquired the dorkiest machine ever. Behold: Enriqueta, the Scooter.

Giving Back

My restless nature has gotten pretty involved as a volunteer in the Denver community. I hosted the Denver chapter for The Design Kids, a global community that connects industry professionals to emerging designers through monthly events. I also do graphic design for SOS Venezuela, a nonprofit that connects Venezuelans and raises funds for charities in the motherland. I also work with Animal Rescue of the Rockies, placing dogs in need with foster families across the state of Colorado. Incidentally, it’s where I ended up adopting my two weirdos: Waffles, a cat who thinks it’s a dog. And Bishop, a dog who thinks it’s a cat.